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As he approaches his sixth anniversary at the helm, Mikel Arteta has stated plainly that his future at Arsenal is fundamentally dependent to delivering trophies.

A Look Back: Six Years in Charge

Arteta assumed control on 20 December 2019 and promptly led the team to an FA Cup triumph a short time later. However, that initial silverware remains his sole top-tier trophy since succeeding Unai Emery.

“I can,” he stated when questioned about his future past 2027. “But it’s about today. And a lot of things need to fall into place in the next few months as well to warrant that continuation.”

Saturday night brings the anniversary with a fixture against Everton, the very same club Arsenal faced the day after his appointment was announced.

The Current Landscape

With trailing Manchester City playing against West Ham on Saturday afternoon, Arsenal face being knocked off first place in the Premier League for the first time. This situation arises even with Arteta presiding over a squad that has been plagued by more than a century of fitness issues over the course of last season.

Arteta is tied down by 18 months remaining on the extension he agreed to in 2024, but is acutely aware that he must deliver in the immediate future.

Earning the Right

He went on to explain, stressing the ongoing need to validate his position. “In my view a manager must deserve the right to be here tomorrow. And that depends on how you react, how you talk here, how you go into the dressing room, the instructions you give.”

Arteta continued, commending the consistent faith from the club's ownership, but pinpointing the squad's dedication as most crucial. “Ultimately, the critical component are those players... During my tenure, I’ve seen just players with a degree of commitment, desire to learn and give the maximum to the team.”

Latest Fitness Blow

Arsenal approaches the Everton match dealing with an additional absence. Defender Ben White has been sidelined with a hamstring injury that is likely to keep him out for the coming weeks.

Confidence in the Path

Despite the fitness woes and the high-stakes environment, Arteta feels the club's “objectives and communication” are profoundly distinct from when he first arrived.

The manager referenced the record-breaking achievements as a sign they are nearing their goal. “You look at the performances, all the club records that were shattered... We still haven't been able to do that [win trophies]. But that shows the caliber we've reached.”

In closing, the manager stated, “This is a standard that the Premier League has not witnessed in the past. And our aim is to achieve even higher goals. And if we do that, I think we are on the proper course to winning.”